Jeremiah 9:17
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women, that they may come; and send for cunning women, that they may come:
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֤ה
H3541
כֹּ֤ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
4 of 12
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
הִתְבּֽוֹנְנ֛וּ
Consider
H995
הִתְבּֽוֹנְנ֛וּ
Consider
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
5 of 12
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
וְקִרְא֥וּ
ye and call
H7121
וְקִרְא֥וּ
ye and call
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
6 of 12
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
לַמְקוֹנְנ֖וֹת
for the mourning women
H6969
לַמְקוֹנְנ֖וֹת
for the mourning women
Strong's:
H6969
Word #:
7 of 12
to strike a musical note, i.e., chant or wail (at a funeral)
וְתָבֽוֹאנָה׃
that they may come
H935
וְתָבֽוֹאנָה׃
that they may come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
8 of 12
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
הַחֲכָמ֥וֹת
for cunning
H2450
הַחֲכָמ֥וֹת
for cunning
Strong's:
H2450
Word #:
10 of 12
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 12:5Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:2 Chronicles 35:25And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they are written in the lamentations.
Historical Context
Professional mourning women were common throughout the ancient Near East. Egyptian and Mesopotamian art depicts them at funerals with characteristic gestures and dress. In Israel, these women led communal grief with traditional laments (2 Chronicles 35:25). The passage suggests the scale of death will require their full mobilization—every skilled mourner in the nation called to service.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the call for professional mourners suggest about the scale of coming judgment?
- How does organized, communal grief differ from individual sorrow, and what purpose does it serve?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse calls for mourners: 'Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women.' The Hebrew meqonenoth (מְקוֹנְנוֹת, mourning women) were professional wailers who led public lamentation at funerals. 'That they may come; and send for cunning women, that they may come.' The Hebrew chakamoth (חֲכָמוֹת, skilled/wise women) indicates expertise in funeral rites and laments. The call for professional mourners suggests the coming devastation will exceed family capacity for grief—organized, expert mourning will be required for the magnitude of death coming. The double command ('call,' 'send') emphasizes urgency.